The NBA Awards are an annual acknowledgement of the outstanding performers from the regular season.
The winners of each award are voted for by a panel of roughly 100 sportswriters and broadcasters covering the NBA throughout the United States and Canada. Each award has three finalists.
Major NBA awards are usually announced during the first two weeks of the NBA Playoffs, typically in late April or throughout May.
NBA Most Valuable Player
The most high-profile award, the NBA Most Valuable Player (MVP) is awarded to the best overall performer from the NBA in the regular season.
Former winners include Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Nikola Jokić, Joel Embiid and Giannis Antetokounmpo.
NBA Rookie of the Year
The NBA Rookie of the Year (ROY) recognises the best performing first-year player in the regular season.
Voters rank their top three rookies, with first-place votes worth 5 points, second-place worth 3, and third-place worth 1, with the highest total points winning.
NBA Defensive Player of the Year
The NBA Defensive Player of the Year (DPOY) is received by the most outstanding defensive player of the regular season.
Voters generally look at stats like blocks, steals, defensive win shares, and overall team defensive rating.
NBA Most Improved Player
The NBA Most Improved Player (MIP) is awarded to the player who has demonstrated the most significant progress during the regular season compared to previous seasons.
It is typically awarded to a player with a substantial increase in statistics (scoring, rebounding, efficiency) or a massive expansion of their role.
NBA Sixth Man of the Year
The NBA Sixth Man of the Year (6MOY) is given to the league's best-performing player who comes off the bench as a substitute.
Candidates must start fewer games than they play as a reserve to qualify, emphasizing high-impact scoring or playmaking in a secondary role.
NBA Clutch Player of the Year
The NBA Clutch Player of the Year Award, introduced in the 2022-23 season, honors the player who best performs under pressure during crucial moments of close games.
The NBA defines "clutch time" as the last five minutes of the fourth quarter or overtime, with a score differential of five points or less.
NBA Coach of the Year
The NBA Coach of the Year Award is presented to the top head coach of the regular season, recognizing excellence in team performance and coaching strategy.
The award often highlights coaches who lead their teams to unexpected success, major win increases, or dominant regular-season records.
